2013-14 Graduate Faculty Research Award

Dr. Sean Ruday, Department of English and Modern Languages
Awarded for unique or innovative work within a specific discipline that results in publication and represents advancements in that discipline.

This year’s recipient has only been a faculty member at Longwood for three years, but in that time he has published six peer-reviewed articles and two books-- one for grades 3-5 and one for grades 6-8-- entitled: The Common Core Grammar Toolkit: Using Mentor Texts to Teach the Language Standards. His research focuses on three areas in the field of English education: best practices of grammar instruction, integration of technology into literacy instruction, and the literacy instruction of adolescent males. He uses the research he conducts to help prepare his Longwood students to be successful in their teaching careers.

2013-14 Graduate Faculty Teaching Award

Dr. JoEllen Pederson, Department of Sociology, Anthropology & Criminal Justice.
Awarded for distinction and initiative in graduate teaching including going above and beyond to supervise theses, conduct research projects, lead graduate study abroad courses, mentor graduate students at conferences or professionally, supervise graduate publications or presentations, or other outstanding service to graduate students.

As a first- year Longwood faculty member, this year’s recipient worked with each of her graduate students to help them prepare professional-level abstracts, submit them as proposals for papers to the Virginia Social Science Association, and ensure that those students attended and participated in the annual state meeting. She also proposed, acquired funding for, and implemented an innovative program in which her graduate students tutored her undergraduate students in statistics.

2013-14Full-timeCurrent Graduate Student Award

Joanne Moore Paek, Education/Counselor Education program, Mental Health Counseling track
Awarded to a full-time graduate student who engages in unique activities and displays the initiative to take their research or area of study beyond the university classroom and/or to apply their learning to work in the field.

This year’s recipient is recognized for her high level of professional service. She was the first Longwood student to be selected as a Virginia Counselors Association (VCA) Graduate Fellow, is a member of a four-student Longwood team participating in the American Counseling Association (ACA) Graduate Student Ethics Competition, and has participated in the Central Virginia Partnership on Youth as well as Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training.

2013-14Part-time Current Graduate Student Award

Deana Polly Kahlenberg, Communication Science & Disorders program
Awarded to a part-time graduate student who engages in unique activities and displays the initiative to take their research or area of study beyond the university classroom and/or to apply their learning to work in the field.

In addition to balancing graduate studies with her career as a full-time second grade teacher in Cumberland County, North Carolina, this year’s recipient combined her entrepreneurial skills with her field of study to develop and manage a successful Internet store where she specializes in creating unique, functional, and innovative classroom and therapy materials for both teachers and speech-language pathologists. She has also presented at the North Carolina Association of Elementary Educators Conference and served on a panel of educators at the Institute for Emerging Issues Forum: Teachers and the Great Economic Debate in North Carolina.

This year’s award winner worked diligently with her fellow graduate students to promote and enhance the presence and participation of graduate students at Longwood University life. She serves as senator in the Student Government Association, President of the newly formed and officially recognized Graduate Student Advisory Council, and as the very first graduate student representative for the Board of Visitors. Each of these accomplishments has opened a new door for all graduate students at Longwood by providing them increased voice, visibility, and presence. Chelsea also holds a full-time Graduate Assistant position while pursuing her studies.

2013-14 Recent Graduate Alumni Award

Andrea Leigh Proctor Brewer, 2010 graduate, Communication Sciences and Disorders program
Awarded to a recent graduate (no more than five years after graduation) who engages in unique activities and displays the initiative to take their research or area of study beyond Longwood to apply their learning to work in the field and contribute to their profession.

Andrea has been employed by the Colonial Heights public schools as a speech-language pathologist since graduation and has participated in a post-graduate level, leadership and service-based training program at Virginia Commonwealth University with the primary purpose of preparing health professionals and those in related disciplines to assume leadership and advocacy roles in the field of childhood disabilities. As part of her work, she participated in a family mentorship experience, developed and coordinated an interdisciplinary clinic, presented at professional conferences, and conducted a literacy workshop to teach parents effective strategies for promoting their children’s literacy experiences.